Agromedis – As part of the 25th Anniversary (Dies Natalis) series, the Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Jember (FK UNEJ), organized a national seminar titled “Stem Cell Application: What’s New and What’s Next” on Wednesday (April 16). The seminar was conducted in a hybrid format, combining an in-person session at the Avicenna Auditorium, FK UNEJ, with online participation via Zoom Meeting.
The seminar featured five distinguished experts in the field of stem cells, who shared the latest insights and future prospects of stem cell technology in medicine. The speakers included Dr. dr. Sugeng Ibrahim, M.Biomed (AAM), AIFO-K., Prof. Dr. David S. Perdanakusuma, dr. Sp.B.P.R.E., Subsp. E.L. (K), Prof. Dr. dr. Agung Putra, M.Si. Med., Rini Arianti, Ph.D., and dr. Mohammad Kurniawan, Sp.S(K), M.Sc.
Dr. dr. Sugeng Ibrahim opened the session with a presentation titled “Reactivation of Indonesia’s Superior Genetic Potential for a Dignified Nation,” emphasizing the importance of utilizing local genetic resources in the development of stem cell therapies. The presentation was warmly received by both onsite and online participants.
The next session was delivered by Prof. Dr. David S. Perdanakusuma, who discussed “The Role of Stem Cells in Plastic Surgery.” He highlighted the crucial role of stem cells in tissue regeneration and post-surgical reconstruction, which has become a growing trend in modern medicine.
Prof. Dr. dr. Agung Putra presented “Stem Cells in Controlling Inflammation,” explaining how stem cells contribute to reducing chronic inflammatory processes in various degenerative diseases. Meanwhile, Rini Arianti, Ph.D., delivered a talk titled “Human Adipose-Derived Stem Cells: From Patients to the Laboratory and Beyond,” illustrating the use of human adipose tissue as a promising source of stem cells.
Equally engaging, dr. Mohammad Kurniawan, Sp.S(K), M.Sc., presented “Updates on the Role of Stem Cells in Neurological Diseases.” He discussed recent research developments on stem cell therapies for neurological conditions such as stroke and Parkinson’s disease.
The seminar was officially opened by the Rector of Universitas Jember, Dr. Ir. Iwan Taruna, M.Eng., IPM., ASEAN Eng. In his remarks, he expressed appreciation for FK UNEJ’s continuous efforts in advancing medical science through national-scale scientific events. The event was also attended by the Vice Rector for General Affairs and Finance, deans of health-related faculties within UNEJ, as well as representatives from teaching hospitals and partner institutions.
As part of strengthening collaboration in stem cell research and development, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was also signed between FK UNEJ and Stem Cell and Cancer Research (SCCR) Indonesia. The agreement was signed by the Dean of FK UNEJ, Dr. dr. Ulfa Elfiah, M.Kes., Sp.BP-RE., Subsp. L.B.L.(K), and the Director of SCCR Indonesia, Prof. Dr. dr. Agung Putra, M.Si. Med.
Through this seminar, FK UNEJ reaffirms its commitment as a medical education institution that continuously innovates and actively contributes to the advancement of science, particularly in the field of stem cells, which are considered a promising future in medicine.
Author: AKR